Diving in Palawan - advice please

[World Wide Diver]

Three of us are off to Tubbataha in May and would like to extend our trip by diving for a few days in Palawan.

Problem is that - after spending hours on the net and calling a couple of dive shops - we don't know where the best diving is. Specifically, we are looking for good viz and a reasonable chance to see big pelagics.

I've looked into Honda Bay, Puerto Princesa Bay, Port Barton and El Nido.

Can anyone offer some advice please? Note that we are prepared to travel anywhere in Palawan if the diving looks promising and we can get air.

Many thanks.

[415gem]

WWDiver , Who are you doing the live aboard with ? How much ? El Nido probably would be your best bet . There are some islands not as far out as Tubatatha , no resort , sleep on banca , spartan . After Tubatatha , nothing in the RP`s will seem great . Palau , Sipadan, Lembeh Strait , Sulawesi and Irian Jiya if you got the time and money . I am interesested in who your doing Tubatatha with ... MS Tri Star sunk last September .

[jellyfish]

I hope you'll get good answers on this forum soon WWW, coz I'm interested as well to know them !
Let's hear something of your trip afterwards.

[World Wide Diver]

We're diving from the M/Y Vasco with Adventure Bound. Price is 45,000.

On El Nido, I have heard mixed reports about the state of the reefs there, though this is not too important as long as there are some good sites with the possibility of big stuff.

We're in contact with someone from Port Barton about the diving there. I have been told that there are three modern wrecks there with good fish life, but I also understand (from reading info on the net) that the area has suffered from much blast and cyanide destruction. I also understand that there is a big aquarium business in this area.

I'm just hoping that someone might know of a place which has good pelagic life that is accessible. They can PM me if they don't want to make it public. Promise not to broadcast info on the net as I know that this can be a sensitive issue.

I'm not too bothered about roughing it a bit as long as there is water and a place to sleep (though can take a tent - done this kind of thing before around Mindanao).

Finger crossed someone can advise....................

[yabs]

ElNido was mostly dead coral from dynamite fishing
ok for snorkelling in parts but i would say diving ois not that great.
shame as wwater is like gyn.
Honda bay is not very clear but there are some areas of nice coral.